Article Posted on : - Jan 02, 2010

Mi-171 helicopter. Image Credit: Russian Helicopters.

TEHRAN (Itar-Tass/PTI): Russia will help Iran for training of personnel and logistical support in civilian sector and an office of a helicopter manufacturing company will come up in Tehran for this purpose.

The company, Vertolyoty Rossii (Russian Helicopters) will add on to the services of 50 Russian choppers that are already serving on the Iranian soil, IRNA news agency said today.

"Our main mission is to provide guarantee services to customers who bought the Russian helicopters.

The personnel of the office will provide consultations to Iranian organisations, render assistance in personnel training, creation of a basis for repair services and deliver spare parts," the office's member Kamran Shakhin, told IRNA.

The Russian Helicopters holding and the Iran's Fanavaran ASEMAN had signed an agreement around a month ago envisaging broader use of these helicopters.

Vertolyoty Rossii wants to export civilian modifications of medium-range multi-purpose helicopters Mi-171 and Ka-226T adapted for use in mountains.

In long-term Russia is planning to deliver light, multipurpose helicopters Ka-62 to Iran.